#StandWithBelarus #PressFreedom
Hong Kong Photojournalist Arrested in Belarus
At around midnight (HK Time) on Sept 7, 2020, a Hong Kong photojournalist was arrested by the police in Belarus, when reporting on the anti-government protest there. The police took away the backpack and the camera of the journalist and the reason of the arrest remained unknown.
At around 01:50 (HK Time), according to DB channel, the journalist was released and only the memory card of his camera was confiscated. The journalist was reportedly punched by the Belurusan police during arrest.
Source: DB Channel #Sept7
www.facebook.com/109301110486297/posts/322777165805356/
#Belarus #BelarusianPolice
Hong Kong Photojournalist Arrested in Belarus
At around midnight (HK Time) on Sept 7, 2020, a Hong Kong photojournalist was arrested by the police in Belarus, when reporting on the anti-government protest there. The police took away the backpack and the camera of the journalist and the reason of the arrest remained unknown.
At around 01:50 (HK Time), according to DB channel, the journalist was released and only the memory card of his camera was confiscated. The journalist was reportedly punched by the Belurusan police during arrest.
Source: DB Channel #Sept7
www.facebook.com/109301110486297/posts/322777165805356/
#Belarus #BelarusianPolice
#PressFreedom
Press control in #Belarus: Press Cards of Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse Revoked; Award-winning Swedish Journalist Expelled
Source: Stand News #Aug30
Read more
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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25166
Press control in #Belarus: Press Cards of Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse Revoked; Award-winning Swedish Journalist Expelled
Source: Stand News #Aug30
Read more
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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/25166
#PressFreedom
Press control in #Belarus: Press Cards of Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse Revoked; Award-winning Swedish Journalist Expelled
The anti-govenment demonstrations in Belarus continued. There were many protests and human chains formed in various districts. However, the local government started to restrict news reporters last week, detaining almost 50 reporters who worked at the demonstration site. The reporters from Associated Press, Reuters, AFP Reuters and other foreign media have their press cards cancelled.
According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists (#BAJ), the local police detained nearly 50 journalists on 27 August 2020, including many well-known foreign media. Their documents were checked and four of them were detained for refusing to hand over their smartphones for inspection. They were accused of organizing illegal demonstrations and must be detained until they are brought to the court. Meanwhile, Swedish journalist, Paul Hansen, who won the World Press Photo Contest Award was deported. He was banned from entering the country for five years.
Until yesterday, the actions of local government which limited news reporting were expanded. At least 17 people’s press cards were cancelled, including the reporters from Associated Press, Reuters, AFP Reuters, BBC and US Congress-funded Radio Liberty. The Radio France International (#RFI) quoted Anatoly Glaz, an official of the Belarusian Ministry of foreign Affairs, that the relevant decision was made in response to anti-terrorism and anti-extremist forces.
BBC and the Associated Press issued a statement of condemnation. The US embassy in the local area also issued a statement, showing concerns that journalists are being unfairly targeted. Attempts on supressing freedom of press, opposition voices and detaining citizens who exercise freedom of assembly and speech were not supported. Dominic Raab, the British Foreign Minister, also condemned the authorities for suppressing press freedom and demanded to stop targeting journalists.
The anti-government demonstrations in Belarus started last month. Citizens protested for the president election result and police brutality. They claimed that the president, Alexander Lukashenko, had manipulated the election. Russian president, Vladimir Putin, said that they have reserved police force to intervene for the situation in Belarus when necessary, but there is no such need as of now.
Source: Stand News #Aug30
#BelarusianAssociationJournalists #AFP #Reuters #AP #MediaControl
Press control in #Belarus: Press Cards of Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse Revoked; Award-winning Swedish Journalist Expelled
The anti-govenment demonstrations in Belarus continued. There were many protests and human chains formed in various districts. However, the local government started to restrict news reporters last week, detaining almost 50 reporters who worked at the demonstration site. The reporters from Associated Press, Reuters, AFP Reuters and other foreign media have their press cards cancelled.
According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists (#BAJ), the local police detained nearly 50 journalists on 27 August 2020, including many well-known foreign media. Their documents were checked and four of them were detained for refusing to hand over their smartphones for inspection. They were accused of organizing illegal demonstrations and must be detained until they are brought to the court. Meanwhile, Swedish journalist, Paul Hansen, who won the World Press Photo Contest Award was deported. He was banned from entering the country for five years.
Until yesterday, the actions of local government which limited news reporting were expanded. At least 17 people’s press cards were cancelled, including the reporters from Associated Press, Reuters, AFP Reuters, BBC and US Congress-funded Radio Liberty. The Radio France International (#RFI) quoted Anatoly Glaz, an official of the Belarusian Ministry of foreign Affairs, that the relevant decision was made in response to anti-terrorism and anti-extremist forces.
BBC and the Associated Press issued a statement of condemnation. The US embassy in the local area also issued a statement, showing concerns that journalists are being unfairly targeted. Attempts on supressing freedom of press, opposition voices and detaining citizens who exercise freedom of assembly and speech were not supported. Dominic Raab, the British Foreign Minister, also condemned the authorities for suppressing press freedom and demanded to stop targeting journalists.
The anti-government demonstrations in Belarus started last month. Citizens protested for the president election result and police brutality. They claimed that the president, Alexander Lukashenko, had manipulated the election. Russian president, Vladimir Putin, said that they have reserved police force to intervene for the situation in Belarus when necessary, but there is no such need as of now.
Source: Stand News #Aug30
#BelarusianAssociationJournalists #AFP #Reuters #AP #MediaControl
立場新聞 Stand News
白羅斯限制新聞採訪 美聯、路透、法新社等外媒被撤記者證 驅逐得奬瑞典記者出境 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
白羅斯反政府示威持續,多個地區有抗爭活動,又有婦女組成人鏈,但當地政府上周起限制記者採訪,一度拘留近 50 名...
Belarusian Authorities said opposition attempts to seize power harm national security; Opposition leader calls citizens to stand up, or become a slave
After the Belarusian presidential election in early August, mass demonstrations broke out, with citizens forming human chains to protest against tyrannical rule. The opposition announced the establishment of a Coordination Committee earlier, requesting the government to discuss the transfer of power. The Belarusian General Prosecutor’s Office then charged the Committee on 20th August with suspicion of endangering national security.
The opposition announced the establishment of the Coordination Committee on 18th August, calling for government talks on the transfer of power. Members include Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, an opposition leader exiled to Lithuania, Nobel Laureate in Literature Svetlana Alexievich, and other famous individuals. The authorities accused the Coordination Committee of jeopardising national security and has now launched a criminal investigation. Attorney General Konyuk noted that the establishment and operation of the Coordination Committee was to seize state power, and emphasized that the transfer of power to the Coordination Committee is unconstitutional. Committee lawyer Maxim Znak and organiser of Minsk factory strikes Sergei Dylevsky were questioned by the government on 21st August.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya accepted an exclusive interview with the Britain Broadcasting Company (BBC), appealing to Belarusians to "stand till the end", and oppose the tyrannical rule of President Lukashenko. “If not now, we will be slaves”. She said that as long as her personal safety is ensured, she will return to the country. In a video speech earlier, she also called for Belarusians to be fearless and to escalate strike actions.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier that the United State supports the international community in investigating the possibility of fraud in the Belarusian election, and will consider sanctions against Belarusian officials who participated in suppressing demonstrations. Russian President Putin said that any interference in the situation in Belarus or pressure on local leaders is unacceptable.
#Belarus #Election #Protests #Lukashenko #BBC #US #Pompeo #Russia #Putin
Source: Stand News #Aug22
After the Belarusian presidential election in early August, mass demonstrations broke out, with citizens forming human chains to protest against tyrannical rule. The opposition announced the establishment of a Coordination Committee earlier, requesting the government to discuss the transfer of power. The Belarusian General Prosecutor’s Office then charged the Committee on 20th August with suspicion of endangering national security.
The opposition announced the establishment of the Coordination Committee on 18th August, calling for government talks on the transfer of power. Members include Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, an opposition leader exiled to Lithuania, Nobel Laureate in Literature Svetlana Alexievich, and other famous individuals. The authorities accused the Coordination Committee of jeopardising national security and has now launched a criminal investigation. Attorney General Konyuk noted that the establishment and operation of the Coordination Committee was to seize state power, and emphasized that the transfer of power to the Coordination Committee is unconstitutional. Committee lawyer Maxim Znak and organiser of Minsk factory strikes Sergei Dylevsky were questioned by the government on 21st August.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya accepted an exclusive interview with the Britain Broadcasting Company (BBC), appealing to Belarusians to "stand till the end", and oppose the tyrannical rule of President Lukashenko. “If not now, we will be slaves”. She said that as long as her personal safety is ensured, she will return to the country. In a video speech earlier, she also called for Belarusians to be fearless and to escalate strike actions.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier that the United State supports the international community in investigating the possibility of fraud in the Belarusian election, and will consider sanctions against Belarusian officials who participated in suppressing demonstrations. Russian President Putin said that any interference in the situation in Belarus or pressure on local leaders is unacceptable.
#Belarus #Election #Protests #Lukashenko #BBC #US #Pompeo #Russia #Putin
Source: Stand News #Aug22
University students open school strike and demonstrate to against Lukashenko; police arrested violently
On the first school day in Belarus, a large number of university students demonstrated in Minsk along the Independence Avenue and gathered in the Victory Square to stand against the president, Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power for 26 years. Police arrived to violently disperse the students, without mentioning about the number of arrests.
On Sundays in the past three weeks, there were 100-200 thousands of people that demonstrated for the police brutality and Lukashenko’s manipulation of the election. On Tuesday, the first school day, thousands of millions of university students went on strike and protested on the streets. Many people held the old Belarusian ‘White, red, white’ flag that is used by the opposition.
Students told BBC that the purpose of going to the street is to support people and express their political positions. They said they should be fearless and not just to stay at home. The BBC filmed when the riot police attacked and forcibly arrested a group of students which gathered near Victory Square. Someone kneeled to the police and demanded to release the students as they are just kids. Some students tried to block the entrances of several universities to prevent the police from entering. BBC pointed out that two Belarusian journalists were among the arrested. The police subsequently admitted that they had arrested students, but decline to tell the exact number. Since the president election on 9th August, there are continuously protests that oppose Lukashenko across Belarus. It is popularly believed that the election result is manipulated. The EU and United States have refused to recognise the result, believing that the election is neither free nor fair.
Lukashenko insisted that he got millions of supports from Belarusians. He stated that he did not hope the country to be seen divided; the state-run Berta News Agency quoted Lukashenko saying that if there are ‘alternative forces’ coming to power, there will be “massacre that is worse than that in Ukraine”. When Lukashenko visited a university in western Belarus, he urged the elderly to explain to the young generations the difficulties the country has overcome over the years. Earlier before this, several national media stated that protesters had been treated in an inhumane way after the election. The authorities apologised for the violent suppression and inhuman actions, but recently began to suppress the protestors again. Maria Kolesnikova, one of the main opposition figures in Belarus, announced on Tuesday that she will form a new party called “Together”. She stated that Belarus is now in a political, social, and economic crisis. “Only when we stand together will we know how to get out of the crisis,” Kolesnikova tried to enter the presidential palace to talk with Lukashenko at a rally in the Capital last Sunday but was told that Lukashenko will not negotiate with them.
Source : Stand News #Sep2
#Belarus #Lukashenko #Kolesnikova #protests
On the first school day in Belarus, a large number of university students demonstrated in Minsk along the Independence Avenue and gathered in the Victory Square to stand against the president, Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power for 26 years. Police arrived to violently disperse the students, without mentioning about the number of arrests.
On Sundays in the past three weeks, there were 100-200 thousands of people that demonstrated for the police brutality and Lukashenko’s manipulation of the election. On Tuesday, the first school day, thousands of millions of university students went on strike and protested on the streets. Many people held the old Belarusian ‘White, red, white’ flag that is used by the opposition.
Students told BBC that the purpose of going to the street is to support people and express their political positions. They said they should be fearless and not just to stay at home. The BBC filmed when the riot police attacked and forcibly arrested a group of students which gathered near Victory Square. Someone kneeled to the police and demanded to release the students as they are just kids. Some students tried to block the entrances of several universities to prevent the police from entering. BBC pointed out that two Belarusian journalists were among the arrested. The police subsequently admitted that they had arrested students, but decline to tell the exact number. Since the president election on 9th August, there are continuously protests that oppose Lukashenko across Belarus. It is popularly believed that the election result is manipulated. The EU and United States have refused to recognise the result, believing that the election is neither free nor fair.
Lukashenko insisted that he got millions of supports from Belarusians. He stated that he did not hope the country to be seen divided; the state-run Berta News Agency quoted Lukashenko saying that if there are ‘alternative forces’ coming to power, there will be “massacre that is worse than that in Ukraine”. When Lukashenko visited a university in western Belarus, he urged the elderly to explain to the young generations the difficulties the country has overcome over the years. Earlier before this, several national media stated that protesters had been treated in an inhumane way after the election. The authorities apologised for the violent suppression and inhuman actions, but recently began to suppress the protestors again. Maria Kolesnikova, one of the main opposition figures in Belarus, announced on Tuesday that she will form a new party called “Together”. She stated that Belarus is now in a political, social, and economic crisis. “Only when we stand together will we know how to get out of the crisis,” Kolesnikova tried to enter the presidential palace to talk with Lukashenko at a rally in the Capital last Sunday but was told that Lukashenko will not negotiate with them.
Source : Stand News #Sep2
#Belarus #Lukashenko #Kolesnikova #protests
Over 100,000 Join March in Belarus With Police Arresting 400, Shooting in the Air and Using Water Canon
Another mass anti-government demonstration took place in Belarusia on the eve of President Alexander Lukashenko’s meeting with the Russian president Vladimir Putin on 15 September. At least 100,000 citizens attended the “March of Heroes” on 14 September in the capital city of Minsk, demanding Lukashenko’s resignation.
Between 100,000 and 150,000 citizens took part in demonstration, chanting such slogans as “Long live Belarus!”, “You [Lukashenko] are a rat,” “We are the ones in power!” and “Step down.” Riot police armed with shields got in the way of the protesters, who shouted at them and called them “fascists.” Some protestors changed tactics and demonstrated in Drozhyd, where Lukashenko and other senior officials reside, instead of the usual sites. Riot police went after protestors with batons and dragged those who had fallen. Some peaceful protestors were carried away by masked officers.
Source: Stand News #Sep14
#Belarus #Russia #Putin #Lukashenko #Minsk #Protest #PoliceBrutality
https://bit.ly/33M1DZd
Another mass anti-government demonstration took place in Belarusia on the eve of President Alexander Lukashenko’s meeting with the Russian president Vladimir Putin on 15 September. At least 100,000 citizens attended the “March of Heroes” on 14 September in the capital city of Minsk, demanding Lukashenko’s resignation.
Between 100,000 and 150,000 citizens took part in demonstration, chanting such slogans as “Long live Belarus!”, “You [Lukashenko] are a rat,” “We are the ones in power!” and “Step down.” Riot police armed with shields got in the way of the protesters, who shouted at them and called them “fascists.” Some protestors changed tactics and demonstrated in Drozhyd, where Lukashenko and other senior officials reside, instead of the usual sites. Riot police went after protestors with batons and dragged those who had fallen. Some peaceful protestors were carried away by masked officers.
Source: Stand News #Sep14
#Belarus #Russia #Putin #Lukashenko #Minsk #Protest #PoliceBrutality
https://bit.ly/33M1DZd
Non-binding Bill Passed - The EU Parliament Will Not Recognise Lukashenko as Belarus President after November
The European Parliament passed a non-binding motion with a majority vote yesterday (17 Sep) that the parliament will no longer recognise Alexander Lukashenko as Belarus President after November, urging the European Union (EU) to impose economic sanctions on him. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will also investigate this presidential election. Lukashenko announced that some borders with Poland and Lithuania will be closed, and the border troops are on high alert.
Lukashenko’s current term will expire in November. He will be re-elected as the next president that month because he won the general election. However, the local opposition and many people believed that Lukashenko was involved in fraud in the election, which triggered a series of demonstrations and deportation of many opposition leaders. Maria Kolesnikova, the only female opposition leader who stayed in the country, was charged with incitement to undermine national security yesterday (17 Sep).
Source: Stand News #Sep18
#Belarus #EuropeanParliament #Lukashenko #BelarusPresident #MariaKolesnikova #EuropeanUnion
The European Parliament passed a non-binding motion with a majority vote yesterday (17 Sep) that the parliament will no longer recognise Alexander Lukashenko as Belarus President after November, urging the European Union (EU) to impose economic sanctions on him. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will also investigate this presidential election. Lukashenko announced that some borders with Poland and Lithuania will be closed, and the border troops are on high alert.
Lukashenko’s current term will expire in November. He will be re-elected as the next president that month because he won the general election. However, the local opposition and many people believed that Lukashenko was involved in fraud in the election, which triggered a series of demonstrations and deportation of many opposition leaders. Maria Kolesnikova, the only female opposition leader who stayed in the country, was charged with incitement to undermine national security yesterday (17 Sep).
Source: Stand News #Sep18
#Belarus #EuropeanParliament #Lukashenko #BelarusPresident #MariaKolesnikova #EuropeanUnion
Lithuania’s Ruling Coalition Expresses Its Support for Taiwan to Fight for Their Freedom
Lithuania’s new ruling coalition published its policy outline and expressed their support for Taiwan to fight for their freedom.
After two rounds of parliamentary elections in Lithuania, three political parties formed a centre-right ruling coalition and issued its policy outline.
Its diplomatic policies would be based on values, as it sought to actively contest actions that violate human rights and democratic freedom, and defend people around the world who are fighting for their freedom, including Belarusians and Taiwanese people.
Source from: Now News #Nov10
#Taiwan #Lithuania #Belarus
https://bit.ly/3ls6DtG
Lithuania’s new ruling coalition published its policy outline and expressed their support for Taiwan to fight for their freedom.
After two rounds of parliamentary elections in Lithuania, three political parties formed a centre-right ruling coalition and issued its policy outline.
Its diplomatic policies would be based on values, as it sought to actively contest actions that violate human rights and democratic freedom, and defend people around the world who are fighting for their freedom, including Belarusians and Taiwanese people.
Source from: Now News #Nov10
#Taiwan #Lithuania #Belarus
https://bit.ly/3ls6DtG
The Protesters Suspected of Being Beaten to Death by Police; Several Cities in Belarus Demonstrated in Mourning on Saturday
Thousands of people demonstrated in several cities in Belarus on Sunday (15th), not only continuing asking Lukashenko for resignation but also protesting that the police force beat one of the protesters and died during the detention. Protesters lighted up the candle and brought white flowers for mourn, requesting the government to investigate the reason for his death. In capital Minsk, police used tear gas grenade and water cannon vehicles to disperse protesters. According to the local human rights organisation announced, there were at least 928 people have been arrested.
According to foreign media quoted from an eyewitness, suspected plainclothes police officers tried to pull off the red and white ribbon, representing the anti-government camp, outside the Minsk courthouse last Wednesday (11th November). A 31-year-old protester Roman Bondarenko had conflicts with them, but then he had been brought to the police car and got arrested. His family found him in the hospital, and he was still in a coma until last Thursday (12th November), he died because of brain damage. Someone suspected that he was beaten while in detention. However, the local government denied any involvement in his death and said that the fight among the people was the cause for his death.
The EU spokesperson later stated that the incident was the shameful result of violent suppression of the people from the local government, threatened to impose heavier sanctions on the Belarusian government.
Source from: The Stand News #Nov16
https://bit.ly/333JOVM
#Belarus #Lukashenko #PoliceBrutality #Protest #Protesters
Thousands of people demonstrated in several cities in Belarus on Sunday (15th), not only continuing asking Lukashenko for resignation but also protesting that the police force beat one of the protesters and died during the detention. Protesters lighted up the candle and brought white flowers for mourn, requesting the government to investigate the reason for his death. In capital Minsk, police used tear gas grenade and water cannon vehicles to disperse protesters. According to the local human rights organisation announced, there were at least 928 people have been arrested.
According to foreign media quoted from an eyewitness, suspected plainclothes police officers tried to pull off the red and white ribbon, representing the anti-government camp, outside the Minsk courthouse last Wednesday (11th November). A 31-year-old protester Roman Bondarenko had conflicts with them, but then he had been brought to the police car and got arrested. His family found him in the hospital, and he was still in a coma until last Thursday (12th November), he died because of brain damage. Someone suspected that he was beaten while in detention. However, the local government denied any involvement in his death and said that the fight among the people was the cause for his death.
The EU spokesperson later stated that the incident was the shameful result of violent suppression of the people from the local government, threatened to impose heavier sanctions on the Belarusian government.
Source from: The Stand News #Nov16
https://bit.ly/333JOVM
#Belarus #Lukashenko #PoliceBrutality #Protest #Protesters
The Female President in Exile Promised to Resign in 6 months After Taking Office: Return the Power to Citizens
Although the influence of international society becomes more powerful, and even many countries publicly recognized Tikhanovskaya as the only legal leader of Belarus, she insisted that she was the “leader of democratic Belarus” instead of “the leader of the opposition” or the “president”. She indicated that “the people of Belarus authorized me to speak for our country”. Before the election, she had indicated that she was not a politician. Once she became a president, she would resign within six months and restart a fair and just democratic election, truly “return politics to the people”.
Although many Belarusians are now in exile due to the wanted and political suppression, Tikhanovskaya thought it is just temporary and does not worried that people will lose their identities because of long-term exiled. Separated from her husband, she emphasized that exile does not mean that she is ignoring the political issues, but is now more suitable for the “international front”, shuttling between countries to lobby leaders, and preparing for the transition government. From time to time, through the internet, she can call on the compatriots in Belarus to initiate “Three Big Strikes” and other demonstrations.
For how can ordinary people contribute? Tikhanovskaya gave some examples: to participate in foreign protests which support Belarus, to write letters to the imprisoned political prisoners, as large as to the public to influence the parliament and the government’s attitude, as small as to provide food and shelter to the new exiles. Everyone has lots of things to do, and everyone is a little water drop, but when the faith of people meets, it can be an ocean. And after this struggle, Belarusians are impossible to go back to the days of accepting totalitarian rule. Every Belarusian, no matter in the country or abroad, will fight for the return of their compatriots in exile.
Source from: Apple Daily #Dec18
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20201218/JEISPWK6KVHOJCVVJI7XON3HPI/
#Belarus #Belarusian #Freedom #democracy #Tikhanovskaya #exile #election
Although the influence of international society becomes more powerful, and even many countries publicly recognized Tikhanovskaya as the only legal leader of Belarus, she insisted that she was the “leader of democratic Belarus” instead of “the leader of the opposition” or the “president”. She indicated that “the people of Belarus authorized me to speak for our country”. Before the election, she had indicated that she was not a politician. Once she became a president, she would resign within six months and restart a fair and just democratic election, truly “return politics to the people”.
Although many Belarusians are now in exile due to the wanted and political suppression, Tikhanovskaya thought it is just temporary and does not worried that people will lose their identities because of long-term exiled. Separated from her husband, she emphasized that exile does not mean that she is ignoring the political issues, but is now more suitable for the “international front”, shuttling between countries to lobby leaders, and preparing for the transition government. From time to time, through the internet, she can call on the compatriots in Belarus to initiate “Three Big Strikes” and other demonstrations.
For how can ordinary people contribute? Tikhanovskaya gave some examples: to participate in foreign protests which support Belarus, to write letters to the imprisoned political prisoners, as large as to the public to influence the parliament and the government’s attitude, as small as to provide food and shelter to the new exiles. Everyone has lots of things to do, and everyone is a little water drop, but when the faith of people meets, it can be an ocean. And after this struggle, Belarusians are impossible to go back to the days of accepting totalitarian rule. Every Belarusian, no matter in the country or abroad, will fight for the return of their compatriots in exile.
Source from: Apple Daily #Dec18
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20201218/JEISPWK6KVHOJCVVJI7XON3HPI/
#Belarus #Belarusian #Freedom #democracy #Tikhanovskaya #exile #election
UK to call for UN probe of Uighur camps in China’s Xinjiang province
The UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab would use an address to the UN human rights council on Feb 22 to urge fellow members to address rights violations in China, Myanmar, Belarus and Russia, with particular emphasis on initiating an independent investigation by the UN high commissioner for human rights into forced labour camps run by Beijing.
The UK has taken an increasingly robust stance against Beijing over the past year following the imposition of a national security law in Hong Kong, and mounting evidence that the treatment of Uighur Muslims amounts to genocide.
Raab said that the reported abuses in Xinjiang including torture, forced labour and forced sterilisation of women were extreme and extensive. They were taking place on an industrial scale
Source: FT #Feb22
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/23/hong-kong-plans-to-make-politicians-swear-oath-of-loyalty-to-beijing
#UK #UNHumanRights #China #Myanmar #Belarus #Russia
The UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab would use an address to the UN human rights council on Feb 22 to urge fellow members to address rights violations in China, Myanmar, Belarus and Russia, with particular emphasis on initiating an independent investigation by the UN high commissioner for human rights into forced labour camps run by Beijing.
The UK has taken an increasingly robust stance against Beijing over the past year following the imposition of a national security law in Hong Kong, and mounting evidence that the treatment of Uighur Muslims amounts to genocide.
Raab said that the reported abuses in Xinjiang including torture, forced labour and forced sterilisation of women were extreme and extensive. They were taking place on an industrial scale
Source: FT #Feb22
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/23/hong-kong-plans-to-make-politicians-swear-oath-of-loyalty-to-beijing
#UK #UNHumanRights #China #Myanmar #Belarus #Russia
#HumanitarianCrisis #Regime
Authoritarian government in #Belarus uses bomb threat to divert a plane and arrest an opposition blogger in exile
Source: The Guardian #May23
Read more
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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29766
Authoritarian government in #Belarus uses bomb threat to divert a plane and arrest an opposition blogger in exile
Source: The Guardian #May23
Read more
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https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29766
#HumanitarianCrisis #Regime
Authoritarian government in #Belarus uses bomb threat to divert a plane and arrest an opposition blogger in exile
On 23 May 2021, a #Ryanair flight from Athens, Greece to Vilnius, Lithuani was forced to perform an emergency landing in Minsk, located in Belarus, after the #Belarus ATC claomed that there was a 'bomb threat' on board.
By doing so, the Belarus police arrested a pro-democracy activist-in-exile #RomanProtasevich, who was a former editor of the Telegram channels #Nexta and Nexta Live.
Protasevich was wanted in Belarus for being critical of and having organized a protest in 2020 against the authoritarian president Alexander Lukashenko.
The Lukashenko’s authoritarian government has launched a broad crackdown on opposition leaders and independent media. All editors at Nexta who mostly live in exile have said they have been threatened with extraordinary rendition in the past.
The Polish prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, said the plane had been “hijacked” and accused Lukashenko of a “reprehensible act of #StateTerrorism”.
In a joint statement, the US, Ireland, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and the Czech Republic condemn Lukashenko's action as “an act of piracy”: “This act of state terror and kidnapping is a threat to all those who travel in Europe and beyond. It cannot be allowed to stand."
Protasevich was reportedly trembling on the plane, telling a fellow passenger that "I’m facing the death penalty here", as the plane was diverted to Belarus. His current whereabouts are unknown after being taken away by the Belarusian police.
It was confirmed that Lukashenko ordered his military to use a Mig-29 fighter to escort the plane.
Image: Twitter @franakviacorka
Source: The Guardian #May23
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/23/belarus-diverts-ryanair-plane-to-arrest-blogger-says-opposition
#Hijack #Kidnap #Military #PoliceState #Crackdown #ICAO #TelegramChannel
Authoritarian government in #Belarus uses bomb threat to divert a plane and arrest an opposition blogger in exile
On 23 May 2021, a #Ryanair flight from Athens, Greece to Vilnius, Lithuani was forced to perform an emergency landing in Minsk, located in Belarus, after the #Belarus ATC claomed that there was a 'bomb threat' on board.
By doing so, the Belarus police arrested a pro-democracy activist-in-exile #RomanProtasevich, who was a former editor of the Telegram channels #Nexta and Nexta Live.
Protasevich was wanted in Belarus for being critical of and having organized a protest in 2020 against the authoritarian president Alexander Lukashenko.
The Lukashenko’s authoritarian government has launched a broad crackdown on opposition leaders and independent media. All editors at Nexta who mostly live in exile have said they have been threatened with extraordinary rendition in the past.
The Polish prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, said the plane had been “hijacked” and accused Lukashenko of a “reprehensible act of #StateTerrorism”.
In a joint statement, the US, Ireland, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and the Czech Republic condemn Lukashenko's action as “an act of piracy”: “This act of state terror and kidnapping is a threat to all those who travel in Europe and beyond. It cannot be allowed to stand."
Protasevich was reportedly trembling on the plane, telling a fellow passenger that "I’m facing the death penalty here", as the plane was diverted to Belarus. His current whereabouts are unknown after being taken away by the Belarusian police.
It was confirmed that Lukashenko ordered his military to use a Mig-29 fighter to escort the plane.
Image: Twitter @franakviacorka
Source: The Guardian #May23
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/23/belarus-diverts-ryanair-plane-to-arrest-blogger-says-opposition
#Hijack #Kidnap #Military #PoliceState #Crackdown #ICAO #TelegramChannel
the Guardian
Belarus accused of ‘hijacking’ Ryanair flight diverted to arrest blogger
Roman Protasevich is wanted for organising last year’s protests against Alexander Lukashenko
The UN General Assembly Condemns the Myanmar Military for Launching a Coup”, and Calls to Stop the Import of Weapons
The UN General Assembly rarely passed a non-legally binding resolution yesterday (18 June), condemning that the Myanmar military launched a coup and called for an arms embargo on Myanmar. The resolution indicates the international opposition to the junta government and demands Myanmar to resume the democratization process. After Belarus requested a recorded vote, resolution finally was passed with 119 agreed, one opposed, and 36 abstained. Belarus is the only one who voted objection.
The resolution requires the Myanmar military government to restore the democratization process and condemns their “excessive and deadly violence” since the coup. At the same time, the resolution calls on all countries to prevent the import of weapons into Myanmar and urges the military to respect the election result from November last year. It also requests that the military immediately release political figures, such as former President Win Min and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and all people who had randomly been arrested. Moreover, the resolution demands that the military should stop treating peace protesters with violence and limiting the network and social media.
Source: Stand News #Jun19
https://bit.ly/3hUujr6
#UnitedNations #UN #Myanmar #Military #Belarus #Democracy #Violence #WinMin #AungSanSuuKyi
The UN General Assembly rarely passed a non-legally binding resolution yesterday (18 June), condemning that the Myanmar military launched a coup and called for an arms embargo on Myanmar. The resolution indicates the international opposition to the junta government and demands Myanmar to resume the democratization process. After Belarus requested a recorded vote, resolution finally was passed with 119 agreed, one opposed, and 36 abstained. Belarus is the only one who voted objection.
The resolution requires the Myanmar military government to restore the democratization process and condemns their “excessive and deadly violence” since the coup. At the same time, the resolution calls on all countries to prevent the import of weapons into Myanmar and urges the military to respect the election result from November last year. It also requests that the military immediately release political figures, such as former President Win Min and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and all people who had randomly been arrested. Moreover, the resolution demands that the military should stop treating peace protesters with violence and limiting the network and social media.
Source: Stand News #Jun19
https://bit.ly/3hUujr6
#UnitedNations #UN #Myanmar #Military #Belarus #Democracy #Violence #WinMin #AungSanSuuKyi
The Head of a Belarus Exile Group Hanged in a Park. Police Starts off by Murder Investigation
The BBC reported that the Belarus Exile Group Head Vitaly Shishov, who has lost recently, was found being hanged in a park in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on August 3. The place was close to his house in Ukraine. The police force has already started an investigation in accordance with murder, not ruling the chance of homicide.
Vitaly Shishov is the Head of the Belarusian House in Ukraine, an exile group helping people in Belarus to flee to Ukraine. The organisation headquarter is in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, mainly helping Belarusians who fleed due to violent oppression to find accommodations, jobs and legal suggestions.
#Belarus #Ukraine #Kyiv #VitalyShishov #BelarusianHouseinUkraine #BBC
Source: Stand News #Aug03
https://bit.ly/3ChJ1jw
The BBC reported that the Belarus Exile Group Head Vitaly Shishov, who has lost recently, was found being hanged in a park in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on August 3. The place was close to his house in Ukraine. The police force has already started an investigation in accordance with murder, not ruling the chance of homicide.
Vitaly Shishov is the Head of the Belarusian House in Ukraine, an exile group helping people in Belarus to flee to Ukraine. The organisation headquarter is in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, mainly helping Belarusians who fleed due to violent oppression to find accommodations, jobs and legal suggestions.
#Belarus #Ukraine #Kyiv #VitalyShishov #BelarusianHouseinUkraine #BBC
Source: Stand News #Aug03
https://bit.ly/3ChJ1jw